Sustainable Places to Stay

December 1, 2016

Story by Felicia Zammit-McMannPhotos by Vivian Photography and Courtesy of the Roundhouse

It goes without saying that if you are getting married in the Hudson Valley, you and your guests are extremely fortunate. To be able to celebrate such a momentous occasion in what many people consider the most beautiful part of the country is truly special. The Hudson Valley seems to have a little bit of everything that people are looking for. You have beautiful nature surrounding you, yet you are close to one of the largest cities in the world. You have tons of activities, from outdoor sports and recreation to museums and antique shops. Perhaps you think the local cuisine is what makes the Hudson Valley truly special. Whatever your reason for loving the Hudson Valley, one thing is certain: your wedding guests will never forget their time here.

Over the last few months, I’ve taken you step-by-step in creating a unique, memorable Hudson Valley wedding, paying special attention to green and sustainable ways to do so. I’d like to end the year by talking about what happens after the wedding. All the planning is done, the “I dos” are said, the cake is cut and the DJ has dropped the mic and left the room…now what? Chances are, you’re going to have out-of-town guests who want to make a long weekend of their visit here. But where do your guests stay? What can they do while they’re here?

There’s no shortage of hotels in the Hudson Valley, but for your guests to truly get the feel of what life in the Hudson Valley is like, you can invite them to stay at one of the hundreds of bed-and-breakfasts, inns or lodges in the area. Not only is staying in one of these places unique in its own right, but there is so much history here in the Valley that no matter where your guests stay, they are going to leave knowing a little bit more about this place we call home than when they arrived.

Imagine staying at a house that was built when Thomas Jefferson was president; for those of you who are struggling to remember your history, that was over 210 years ago. The Caldwell House Bed and Breakfast, located in Salisbury Mills, NY, was originally owned by John Caldwell, a successful Irish businessman, and is now a full-service bed-and-breakfast with 14 guest rooms. Couples can have their wedding here as well, up to 150 people, and in the winter months, they can also utilize the newly restored original barn. Guests are treated every morning to a three-course breakfast prepared with ingredients from local farms. They will not only get to experience the Hudson Valley but taste it as well, thanks to our local farmers.

Another inn you might want to suggest to your guests is the Inn at Twaalfskill, located in Highland, NY. The Inn at Twaalfskill was originally owned by Harcourt Pratt, a local businessman back in the early 1900s who was also a representative in the United States Congress. What makes this inn so unique is that it is the closest B&B in Ulster County to the Walkway Over the Hudson. The inn has three large guest rooms, so it’s very easy for you to rent the entire inn for your bridal party or out-of-town family or guests. Here, guests are immersed in the natural beauty that is the Hudson Valley.

Lastly, if you’re looking for a venue that has a combination of a hotel mixed with history and industrial charm, the Roundhouse in Beacon is another great option for couples who want to get married at a venue where their guests can stay as well. Once a thriving manufacturing facility, the Roundhouse has been renovated into a 23-room hotel with a full-scale restaurant and event space that can accommodate weddings of up to 200 people. A unique feature of the Roundhouse is a farm-inspired restaurant that opened this past fall, called the Roundhouse by Terrance Brennan. Chef Brennan is one of America’s most renowned chefs and has appeared on the Today show.

Now, having places for your guests to stay is great, but what about a honeymoon? For some, what comes to mind when they think of the word “honeymoon” is a trip to a tropical island, or a romantic European getaway. Perhaps you think of a cruise, going to an exotic country halfway around the world, or even going to Walt Disney World. Many couples, however, are not looking for a honeymoon of that nature. If that’s the case for you, you can do a Hudson Valley honeymoon or even a “mini-moon”—a long weekend before your big honeymoon that will come later.

No matter what time of year you get married, you can always find a place to go to experience the natural beauty of the Hudson Valley. Tubing, skiing, camping, rock climbing and even zip-lining are all great ways to experience the out-
doors in the Hudson Valley year-round. For those who don’t necessarily need to be surrounded by nature to have a good time, you can always book a couples’ massage at a green spa; go on a culinary, beer or wine tour; explore the historic man-
sions of the Valley; visit museums and antique shops; or even take a cruise down the Hudson River. Why not take advantage of some of the bed-and-breakfasts and inns in the area as well? They don’t have to be just for your wedding guests!

We’d like to know if you booked a B&B for your wedding or for your wedding guests. Did you have a Hudson Valley honeymoon or a Hudson Valley “mini-moon”? If so, where did you go? We’d love to know. Email Felicia@WeddingConnectionsHV.com.

Sustainable Places to Stay was last modified: December 6th, 2016 by laurie.szostak